Ramp attachment for wheel chair

ABSTRACT

A ramp attachment is disclosed for use with a wheel chair to enable the user to slide from the chair along the ramp to a front seat of an automobile, or other support. It comprises a ramp support base consisting of rod means quickly attachable or detachable between two rigid frame members running from front to rear of the chassis of the chair and a rigid vertical ramp support which clamps at its lower end on the rod means of the base and is quickly connectible at its upper end to the ramp at its end near the chair seat.

O United States Patent 1191 1111 3,891,268 Taylor June 24, 1975 [54] RAMP ATTACHMENT FOR WHEEL CHAIR 1017,]99 l/l962 Sechrist 297/35 X 3,072,437 1 1963 Sh t 297 4 3 X [76] Inventor: A. Hadley Taylor, 37846 Sharpe ea c a Ave., Willoughby, Ohio 44094 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 22 i May 10 1974 1,315,510 2/1962 France 297/438 [2]] Appl' 468745 Primary Examiner--James T.;McCall Attorney, Agent, or FirmBaldwin, Egan, Walling & [52] US. Cl 297/217; 5/81 R; 297/DIG. 4; Fetzer 297/188; 297/423 [51] Int. Cl. A47c 7/62 [58] Field of Search 297/438, 423, 437, 188, [57] ABSTRACT 297/45, 44, 217, 42, DIG. 4; D83/1 E; 5/81 A ramp attachment is disclosed for use with a wheel R, 92 chair to enable the user to slide from the chair along the ramp to a front seat of an automobile, or other [56] References Cited support. It comprises a ramp support base consisting UNITED STATES PATENTS of rod means quickly attachable or detachable be- 823 690 6/1906 Lewis 297/44 X tween two rigid frame members running from front to 2 609864 9/1952 397/1316 4 rear of the chassis of the chair and a rigid vertical 2:633:896 4/1953 a i 'ji 297/45 ramp support which clamps at its lower end on the rod 2,746,527 5/1956 Liebich 297/438 x means Of the base and is q y Connectible at its 2,818,910 1 1958 Hawkins 297/45 pper en to the ramp at its end near the chair seat. 2,826,242 3/1958 Thompson 297/45 2,959,212 11 1960 Bauer 297 45 Clams, 3 Drawing Flgures l5 I 2 l3 l I I5 I I; l r 2 ll I I I I7 1 l 1; ll" //f l I I I I0 I IO PATENTEDJUN 24 I975 FIGZ FIGI

tween the chair and the ramp so as to quickly and rigidly attach the ramp to the chair when it is necessary to use the same.

The ramp attachment in its preferred form consists of two rods of equal length and equal diameter, preferably connected together at their inner ends by a hinge, and there being a flexible tension clip member attached at the outer end of each rod and comprising a C-clamp opening outwardly and adapted to snugly embrace a horizontal rigid frame member of the chair chassis. Then the ramp is directly supported on the rods connected as above by means of a vertical strut which preferably has a downwardly opening U-clamp snugly fitting on one or the other of the rods and quickly attached or detached at its upper end to that portion of the ramp nearest the chair seat.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and description and the essential features will be set forth in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wheel chair having the ramp attachment of this invention in position for use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same chair with the ramp removed and indicating how the ramp support base may fold when used with the wheel chair which can be folded up when not in use;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, enlarged, showing the ramp support base visible in the front lower portion of the chair shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing how the ramp support base can be folded together when the wheel chair is folded;

FIG. 5 is a central sectional view, enlarged, showing the vertical rigid strut providing the ramp support with its lower end clamped over the rod of the ramp support base and with its upper end connected by coacting fittings, one on the vertical strut and the other on the ramp;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively fragmental side elevational and top plan views of the hinge provided at the central portion of the ramp support base; while FIG. 8 is a fragmental top plan view of the hinge connection of FIG. 7 when the ramp support base has been partially folded.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are somewhat simplified views of a known wheel chair made and sold by Everest & Jennings, Inc. of Los Angeles, Calif. Enough will be described so that one may understand the use of the present invention. The chair comprises a chassis including two generally parallel rigid frame members 10 running from front to rear, generally horizontally, respectively at opposite sides of the chassis of the chair. Toward the rear of the chair, two parallel vertical frame members 11 are rigidly connected respectively to one of the frame members 10 and supporting a back 12 and manipulating arms 13. At the front ends of the rigid frame members 10 are rigidly connected two vertical parallel frame members 14 which connect with the arm members 15 and, by means of horizontal frame members (not shown) extending between the vertical members 11 and 14 support the seat 16 of the chair. It will be understood that normally the back 12, the seat 16, and side members 17 are flexible cloth, such as canvas or the like. Stub shafts 18 extending laterally outwardly from each of the vertical frame members 11 carry the chair support wheels 19 which are connected in the usual fashion with the shaft or hub 18 by means of wire spokes which are here roughly represented at 20. Circular hand rims 21 are supported parallel to the wheels 19 by connections 22. Smaller support wheels 23 are rotatably supported at the lower end of the vertical frame members 14. The hand rims 21 perform their usual function of permitting self-propulsion by the user of the chair.

The ramp attachment of this invention utilizes a ramp support base consisting of rod means 24 of a length to just reach between the two rigid frame members 10 when the chair is in operating condition as seen in FIG. 1. In this particular chair, the members 10 turn upwardly at the front of the chair as indicated at 10a but the ramp support base can be attached to any two generally parallel rigid frame members running from front to rear at opposite sides of the chassis of a chair. In the preferred form of the invention, for use with a wheel chair which can be folded from the sides toward the center, when not in use, it includes two substantially identical rods 24a of equal length and diameter which are preferably hollow tubes. Thesetubes are hinged together at the center of the chair for use in a chair which folds as shown in FIG. 2. The hinge shown here comprises parallel links 25 having pivot connections at 26 with the rods 24a and preferably also by a guide link 27 extending between the pivot pins 26 as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. The rods 24a are cut away on their lower sides as indicated at 24b so as to aid in the folding action which is represented in FIG. 4.

Connecting means is provided at opposite ends of the ramp support base 24 to connect the same to the parallel frame members 10. As shown in the drawings, the connecting means comprises a C-clamp 28 rigidly connected at the outer ends of each of the rods 24a. Each C-clamp opens outwardly and is of a size to snugly engage the frame members 10 or 10a as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Preferably, a lining of cushion material is provided at 29 between the C-clamp and the frame member 10 or 10a to give a more firm connection. Each connection also includes a flexible tension clip member 30 which is here shown as a short length of chain having one end 30a firmly connected to the associated rod 24 and having the other connected by a pin at 3% which passes through a link of the chain 30 and then secured in the end of the rod member 24a. The arrangement is such that the C-clamp 28 is snugly held to the frame members 10 or 10a.

The ramp support comprises a rigid vertical strut 31 which is connected between the ramp support base and the ramp 32. As best seen in FIG. 5, the vertical strut comprises a rigid hollow tube to the lower end of which is rigidly attached a downwardly opening U-shape clamp 33 which has a web connected by screw 34 with the strut 31, and having parallel flanges 33a which are arranged to snugly engage one of the rod members 240 as seen in FIG. 5. Preferably, the flanges 33a have a slight spring action which allows them to snugly clamp the rod member 24a. At its upper end, the vertical strut 31 is provided with a connection to the ramp 32 comprising two fittings. One fitting comprises a generally cylindrical member 35 which fits snugly inside of the tube 31and which is connected by a flange 35a and screws 36 to the ramp 32. The fitting 35 comprises an annular groove 37 into which snaps a catch 38 which is carried by a spring clip 39 which is firmly secured to the vertical strut 31 by means shown at 40. It will be seen that when the spring member 39 is moved from the full line position of FIG. 5 to the dot-dash position, the ramp 32 may be separated from the strut 31.

Looking at FIG. 1, it will be seen that the fitting 35 is connected near the rear end of the ramp and the length of the strut 31 is such that when the parts are in the position shown in FIG. 1, the ramp is held approximately at the level of the seat 16 of the wheel chair.

It should now be obvious that in the use of this device, the wheel chair may be folded when carried from place to place and unfolded to the position of FIG. 1 when it is desired to be used. The ramp support base 24 may be connected with the frame members or 10a using the C-clamps 28 and this construction may be left in place as shown in FIG. 2 when the wheel chair is folded. When it is desired to use the ramp, the vertical strut 31 is connected by slipping the U-clamp 33 over one of the rod members 24a and then the fitting 35, rigidly connected with the end of ramp 32, is connected by the catch 38 being engaged in the notch or groove 37. Then the outer end of the ramp 32 is rested, say on the front seat of an automobile, and the occupant of the wheel chair slides up the ramp 32 to the automobile seat. The upper surface of ramp 32 is smooth to facilitate such sliding action. This provides greater mobility for a wheel chair occupant.

What is claimed is:

l. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair which has a frame supporting a seat at a predetermined height above a floor support and having wheel'means associated with said frame for moving said chair over said floor support and said frame including two generally parallel rigid frame members running from front to rear respectively at opposite sides or" the chassis of said chair; the combination for use therewith of an elongated ramp having a width less than that of said seat and having a length not over a few feet; a ramp support base consisting of rod means'of a length to just reach between said two quickly removable rigid frame members when said chair is in operating condition; two connecting means one ateach end of said ramp support base respectively adapted to firmly connect said support base on said two rigid frame members; and a ramp support including a vertical rigid strut having means at its lower end for detachable connection to said ramp support base and having means at its upper end for attachment to one end of said ramp; said ramp support being of a length to hold said one end of said ramp approximately at the level of said seat of said chair.

2. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said chair is of a type to be folded together at a vertical center line thereof when not in use, wherein said ramp support base rod means comprises two rods of equal length and a hinge connected at their mutually meeting ends permitting said ramp support base to fold as the chair is folded.

3. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting means at each end of said ramp support base comprises a flexible tension clip member having means for connection at one of its ends to said ramp support base rod means, then of a length to extend snugly around one of said parallel rigid frame members, and having means for connection at the other of its ends to said ramp support base rod means, at least one of said last named connections being quickly connectible and disconnectible.

4. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said means at the lower end of said vertical rigid strut comprises a U-shape clamp opening downwardly having a 'web attached to said strut, and having parallel flanges spaced to snugly engage said ramp support base rod means.

5. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said means at the upper end of said vertical strut comprises a grooved fitting secured to said ramp, and a fitting fixed in said strut and including a spring controlled catch of a size and so positioned as to engage in said grooved fitting and then to hold said ramp firmly attached to said strut.

6. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair which has a frame supporting a seat at a predetermined height above a floor support and having wheel means associated with said frame for moving said chair over said floor support and said frame including two generally parallel rigid frame members running from front to rear respectively at opposite ends of the chassis of said chair; the combination for use therewith of an elongated ramp having a width less than that of said seat and having a length not over a few feet; a ramp support base consisting of two rods of equal length and diameter and a hinge connecting their mutually meeting ends, an outwardly opening C-clamp at the outer end of each rod of a size to snugly embrace one of said parallel rigid frame members respectively, said ramp support base and said C-clamps of a length to fit snugly between said parallel rigid frame members in operating position of said chair, a quickly adjustable clip member connected to hold said C-clamps firmly to said rigid frame members; a rigid strut having a downwardly opening U- shape clamp rigidly attached at its lower end, said U- shape clamp of a size to fit firmly over either of said two rods; and a quickly manipulatable connection for said ramp and strut including a fitting fixed on the under side of said ramp near one of its ends and a coacting fitting fixed on the upper end of said strut.

PO-Ww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE a QERTIFICATE @F CGRREQTIQN Patent No. 3 ,891 268 Dated June 24-, 1975 a Inventor(s) A. Hadley Taylor It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

r- Column 3, lines 44 and 45, should read: ml 9 "between said two rigid frame members when said chair is in operating condition; two quickly removable con- 6 fiigncd and Sealed this D ninth Day of September1975 [SEAL] Arrest.

RUTH c. MASON c. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer ('mnmisxionor uj'lalenls and Trademarks 

1. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair which has a frame supporting a seat at a predetermined height above a floor support and having wheel means associated with said frame for moving said chair over said floor support and said frame including two generally parallel rigid frame members running from front to rear respectively at opposite sides of the chassis of said chair; the combination for use therewith of an elongated ramp having a width less than that of said seat and having a length not over a few feet; a ramp support base consisting of rod means of a length to just reach between said two quickly removable rigid frame members when said chair is in operating condition; two connecting means one at each end of said ramp support base respectively adapted to firmly connect said support base on said two rigid frame members; and a ramp support including a vertical rigid strut having means at its lower end for detachable connection to said ramp support base and having means at its upper end for attachment to one end of said ramp; said ramp support being of a length to hold said one end of said ramp approximately at the level of said seat of said chair.
 2. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said chair is of a type to be folded together at a vertical center line thereof when not in use, wherein said ramp support base rod means comprises two rods of equal length and a hinge connected at their mutually meeting ends permitting said ramp support base to fold as the chair is folded.
 3. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said connecting means at each end of said ramp support base comprises a flexible tension clip member having means for connection at one of its ends to said ramp support base rod means, then of a length to extend snugly around one of said parallel rigid frame members, and having means for connection at the other of its ends to said ramp support base rod means, at least one of said last named connections being quickly connectible and disconnectible.
 4. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said means at thE lower end of said vertical rigid strut comprises a U-shape clamp opening downwardly having a web attached to said strut, and having parallel flanges spaced to snugly engage said ramp support base rod means.
 5. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair as defined in claim 1, wherein said means at the upper end of said vertical strut comprises a grooved fitting secured to said ramp, and a fitting fixed in said strut and including a spring controlled catch of a size and so positioned as to engage in said grooved fitting and then to hold said ramp firmly attached to said strut.
 6. A ramp attachment for a wheel chair which has a frame supporting a seat at a predetermined height above a floor support and having wheel means associated with said frame for moving said chair over said floor support and said frame including two generally parallel rigid frame members running from front to rear respectively at opposite ends of the chassis of said chair; the combination for use therewith of an elongated ramp having a width less than that of said seat and having a length not over a few feet; a ramp support base consisting of two rods of equal length and diameter and a hinge connecting their mutually meeting ends, an outwardly opening C-clamp at the outer end of each rod of a size to snugly embrace one of said parallel rigid frame members respectively, said ramp support base and said C-clamps of a length to fit snugly between said parallel rigid frame members in operating position of said chair, a quickly adjustable clip member connected to hold said C-clamps firmly to said rigid frame members; a rigid strut having a downwardly opening U-shape clamp rigidly attached at its lower end, said U-shape clamp of a size to fit firmly over either of said two rods; and a quickly manipulatable connection for said ramp and strut including a fitting fixed on the under side of said ramp near one of its ends and a coacting fitting fixed on the upper end of said strut. 